Narendra Modi's headgear on I-Day, a pride for Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not have given enough berths to parliamentarians from Rajasthan in his cabinet, but on the occasion of Independence Day he adorned a Jodhpuri bandhej safa (turban), a common sight in western Rajasthan. It was specially ordered and given to him by a senior aide who does not wanted to be named.

Modi, while delivering his speech at Lal Quila, not only mesmerized his audience with his effective speech, Rajasthanis watching him on TV were more happy to see him donning the famous bandhej safa. A turban in Rajasthan is always considered as a symbol of pride.

TOI spoke to some BJP leaders to find who got these turbans for the Prime Minister. Though they did not want to be named, they said that at least six such turbans of various designs were sent to the PM's house.

'Will sell turbans as Modi safa'

"They were purchased from Tripolia Bazaar, Jodhpur. Six different turbans were sent. Even an artiste perfect in tying the turbans also went to Delhi to ensure it fits the Prime Minister," said an office-bearer of BJP.

A leader close to Modi said on condition of anonymity: "Modi ji always liked to have turban on special occasions. During his stint as chief minister of Gujarat he had donned various kinds of turbans brought from Kutch, Bhuj and other parts of Gujarat. According to sources, the shop from where the turban was purchased is going ga ga over the gesture of the Prime Minister and is also trying it to popularize it as Modi turban. "I have no hesitation in saying that from now onwards I will sell all kinds of turbans as Modi safa," said the owner of the shop.

Kailash Nath Bhatt, spokesman of state BJP, said, "Turbans are a symbol of pride in Rajasthan. I think every Rajasthani especially the youth who does not like to wear turbans these days are feeling proud after seeing our PM wearing bandhej safa."